AsusWRT (OpenVPN Setup from Config File)

This guide explains how to configure an AsusWRT router to use Private Internet Access (PIA) OpenVPN configuration files.

Note: We use an ASUS running firmware version 3.0.0.4.385_20633 for this guide, but these steps apply to most ASUS routers running AsusWRT. The interface may vary slightly depending on your router model and firmware version.

Jump To…

• Step 1: Download the OpenVPN Configuration File
  • Choose a PIA DNS Server
• Step 2: Edit the OpenVPN Configuration File
• Step 3: Configure the VPN Connection
• Step 4: Start the VPN Connection

Step 1: Download the OpenVPN Configuration File

Before you begin, download your desired OpenVPN configuration set and extract the OpenVPN file you want to use. This guide uses the California file from the Default set.

These are the available configuration sets:

• Default
• Strong
• Static IP
• TCP
• Strong TCP

Note: To learn more about these available configurations, please read this guide.

Choose a PIA DNS Server

You will also need to manually edit DNS servers into the OpenVPN configuration file you want to use. You can use one or more of the following options:

• 10.0.0.242: Routes DNS traffic.
• 10.0.0.243: Provides DNS traffic routing and streaming support. 
• 10.0.0.244: Supports DNS traffic routing and MACE functionality. 
• 10.0.0.241: Routes DNS traffic and has MACE and streaming support.

Step 2: Edit the OpenVPN Configuration File

1. After you extract the OpenVPN file for the server location you want to use, open it with a text editor. 
2. Under remote-cert-tls server, use the following line to add the DNS servers you want to use: dhcp-option DNS <IP Address>. For example, if you use the DNS server that supports DNS traffic routing, MACE, and streaming, you would add the following line: dhcp-option DNS 10.0.0.241. 

3. Save the edited configuration file and close it. 

Step 3: Configure the VPN Connection

1. Sign into your router’s admin panel with your router’s username and password.
2. Navigate to VPN > Client. 
3. Click Add Profile. 
4. Select the OpenVPN tab. 
5. Fill out the following details: 
   • Description: Enter something to help you recognize the VPN connection.
   • Username: Enter your PIA username. 
   • Password: Enter your PIA password. 
   • Import .ovpn file: Click Browse > select the server configuration file > Open > Upload. 

6. When done, click OK. 

Step 4: Start the VPN Connection

1. After you create the VPN connection, you can find it in the VPN Server List table. 
2. To start the VPN connection, click Activate. 

3. When the connection is active, you will see a icon in the Connection Status column.

To verify the VPN connection is working, you can use PIA’s IP checker tool. Make sure the Location field matches your chosen OpenVPN server location. 

Note: If you cannot connect, repeat the steps above or use a different OpenVPN server file, configuration set, or DNS server.